Deputy Chief of Fire & Rescue (Operations or Administration)
Performs a combination of complex administrative and field work to ensure Fire and Rescue Department operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and professional standards. The Deputy Fire Chief may be assigned to oversee Operations or Administration, depending on organizational needs and the selected candidate's qualifications.
Frequently participates in the work of subordinate personnel and, in the absence of the Chief of Fire and Rescue, serves in a leadership capacity and may be required to establish and/or perform all functions of the Incident Command System. The position directly supervises career staff, provides leadership and instruction to both career and volunteer personnel, and supports the department's mission through planning, coordination, and operational oversight.
Promotes community awareness by providing information and education regarding Fire and Rescue services, including promoting the role of the department within the community, supporting recruitment and retention of volunteer personnel, and participating in fire prevention, fire safety, emergency medical services, and other public education initiatives, as assigned.
Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief of Fire & Rescue with considerable latitude for independent judgment, decision-making, and action.
Candidates should note that the County is conducting an expedited recruitment for this position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received, and interviews may be scheduled throughout the recruitment process. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. This position will remain open until filled.
Core Responsibilities (Operations & Administration)
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Coordinates and oversees management teams and special projects, including fire and rescue facilities, apparatus specifications, equipment maintenance and replacement, computer-aided dispatch systems, records management systems, accident review, and technology initiatives.
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Assists with the development and implementation of administrative and operational policies, standard operating procedures, rules, and regulations.
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Makes recommendations regarding departmental equipment procurement and purchases.
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Plans for short- and long-term departmental needs; researches and prepares reports and studies; monitors departmental records and performance metrics; and communicates information to staff.
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Develops and maintains positive working relationships with County departments, agencies, partner organizations, and community stakeholders.
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Conducts investigations involving departmental personnel, equipment, accidents, and alleged misconduct, as assigned.
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Identifies recruitment, retention, and training needs for career and volunteer personnel.
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Supports public education, outreach, and recruitment efforts by coordinating educational messaging and community engagement activities.
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Serves as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee and other committees or workgroups, as assigned.
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Assists with preparation and administration of the department's annual budget.
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Attends meetings and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors, Fire Commission, and other groups, as required.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
Deputy Chief – Operations
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Assumes command of emergency incidents and scheduled operations; directs fire suppression, EMS, rescue, and other emergency response activities in accordance with the Incident Command System.
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Makes strategic and tactical decisions during emergency incidents and may perform firefighting or other emergency response duties when required.
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Oversees operational readiness, response capabilities, and deployment of personnel and resources.
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Develops, reviews, approves, and implements operational training and service delivery programs.
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Works with volunteer District Fire Chiefs and Training Officers to coordinate operational services and training.
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Develops and maintains relationships with the Fire Commission and operational partners.
Deputy Chief – Administration
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Oversees personnel administration, including employee relations, performance management, and ensuring consistent application of disciplinary processes; serves as the escalation point for complex personnel matters.
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Provides leadership for administrative functions such as strategic planning, policy development, budgeting, technology, records management, and organizational initiatives.
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Coordinates with the County Public Information Office on departmental communications and public information initiatives.
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Oversees administrative compliance, reporting, and organizational performance improvement initiatives.
Education / Experience:
- Requires education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, EMS, Public Administration/Business Administration, or related field, supplemented by advanced level course work in modern methods of fire suppression and rescue. Must be familiar with NFPA standards and OEMS Regulations particularly as they relate to the Fire & Rescue environment. Must possess experience in health and safety relevant to Fire and Rescue operations and personnel.
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Must possess a minimum of three (3) years of command level supervisory experience at the rank of Captain or above in a career Fire and EMS department of comparable or greater size. Training in public speaking and public education desired.
Knowledge / Skills and Abilities:
- Requires comprehensive knowledge of the strategy and tactics of handling fire, rescue, and medical emergencies and the ability to analyze and respond effectively under stress to each. Must possess the ability to identify and interpret trends and preventive related issues within the Fire Services industry.
- Requires exercising a great deal of self-initiative and possessing the ability to positively interact with the public, volunteers, career staff, support staff, and outside agencies in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner during routine, emergency, and sensitive situations. Strong quality and service minded with commitment to continuous quality improvement.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse multi-disciplinary emergency services team and / or independently. Knowledge of management principles and practices with the ability to employ team-oriented problem-solving techniques and be capable of motivating new or inexperienced members. Puts success of team above own interests and supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
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Ability to develop, implement and facilitate educational programs.
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Must possess the ability to communicate; both orally and in writing, to effectively educate a variety of audiences. Must be able to maintain confidentially and disseminate such information consistent with policies and procedures.
- Knowledge and understanding of the County’s strategic direction, mission, vision, and values as they relate to the Department of Fire & Rescue, as well as the departments standard operating guidelines, rules, and regulations.
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Knowledge of County geography with respect to streets, hydrants and building access.
- Must be able to establish and maintain accurate records, files, and database systems. Requires compiling data and information to prepare complex reports using MS Office Suite and/or other computer systems.
- Knowledge of budget preparation and accounting principles.
Certification/Licenses:
- Must have three (5) years of driving experience and possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license, proof of insurance required to drive on County business, and acceptable driving record.
- EMT certification; CPR certification; NIMS – ICS 100 – 400 & ICS 700 & 800 certification; EVOC certification; Firefighter II certification; Hazardous Materials Operations certification.
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Preferred Qualifications: Paramedic certification, Education Coordinator, Fire Officer certification, and Fire Instructor certifications, Executive Fire Officer & Chief Fire Officer/Chief Medical Officer.
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Employee will be responsible for keeping his/her license and education requirements current.
Physical/Mental Demands:
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
- Requires employee to perform very heavy work requiring the exertion in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
- Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.
- Sensory skills: Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.
- Ability to mentally and emotionally deal with emergencies that may result in severe injury or the loss of human life.
Environmental Factors:
- Worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, oils. Ability to wear an air pak is required. Worker may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.
Special/Additional Requirements:
- Subject to a complete criminal history, background search, drug screening, medical screening, and psychological assessment with acceptable results.
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Worker may be required to work beyond a normal schedule to include rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime to meet the needs of the department.
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This position is designated as essential personnel. In accordance with the County's personnel policy, essential personnel are critical to the continuation of key operations and services and are expected to report to work, unless otherwise directed by management, in all weather conditions.
Disclaimer
Bedford County maintains a safe, drug-free workplace for its employees. Drug screening, driving record check, a criminal background check, and previous employer references are required for all positions as conditions of pre-employment.
Bedford County, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Bedford County is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer. We are committed to implementing nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining highly skilled and dependable Veterans. The V3 Program is an official Commonwealth of Virginia Program, authorized under the Code of Virginia (§ 2.2-2001.2)
